Polarity compensating ignition sys



April 2 1940 v. A. CARPNT'ER 2,195,612

POLARITY COIPBNSATIG IGNITION SYSTEH FOR AUTOMOBILES rma oet. 2,6, 1939 40 /L 45 zo mvENToR. Vf/e/v l?. CHR/EN rER lPatented Apr.` 2, 1940 UNITED STATES POLABITY COMIENSATIN G IGNITION SYS- TEM FOB AUTOMOBILES Vern A. Carpenter, Indianapolis, Ind.

Application AOctober 26, 1939, Serial No. 301,363

1l Claims.

. thousand miles of vehicle travel, produce a tit on one contact member of the make-and-break switch and a pit corresponding thereto on the other contact member of said switch.

Such formation is universal and materially afy fects engine performance and eiilciency.v Such formation is the result of ionization and arcing incident in uni-directional flow of current in the low tension portion of the ignition system oi' conventional character.

Such formation can be delayed, as suggested.

by utilizing arc-resisting contact points, et cetera, but the problem cannot be solved permanently by such expedient since all known, satisfactory contact material is subject to metal transfer incident to ionization and arcing.

It has been proposed to reverse the current f flow after each current impulse but such reversal results in the disadvantage that the switch is of constant reversing character, that is, it must be operative at all times for engine operation and has a limited life due to its repetitions,

or constant operation, to wit: millions of reversals per day of usual driving.

The presentinvention solves both problems and one installation upona vehicle which normally requires contact replacement or repair, as by dresing, etc.), at five thousand miles of vehicle travel, has successfully operated more than twelve thousand miles with but little or no evidence of titting" or pitting.

I'he chief object of this invention is to lpro- -vide a practical andsuccessful solution to the basic problem and not incorporate in such solution any of the disadvantages of the proposed corrective, as set forth hereinbefore.

The chief feature of the invention consists in providing a practical solution, automatic in character which solves said problem, such solution including a current reversing arrangement in the-low tensionside of the ignition circuit operable as by the key operable ignition switch."

` thereof.

(Cl. U23-146.5)

Such arrangement may take various forms,1 such as directly operable by switch movement, key insertion into the ignition switch lock, or remote operation by initial ignition circuit energization conditioning the reversing switch for 5 subsequent reversal upon deenergization of the ignition circuit.

What is believed to be one of the simplest form of said invention has been selected for illustration herein, but this is by way of example only.

Other objects and features of the invention will be set forth more fully hereinafter.

The full nature of the invention will be understood from the accompanying drawing and the following description and claims:

In the drawing Fig. l is a diagrammatic plan of a conventional ignition system with the invention included therein. Fig. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of a key operable ignition switch with the automatically operable reversing switch 20 operatively associated therewith. Fig. 3 is a sectional exploded view of a modified form of key operable reversing switch, the key operable lock portion being shown in elevation.

In Fig. l, I0 indicates a source of energy such 25 `ras a magneto or battery, the latter being illustrated, and same is grounded at II. A line I2 leads to one terminal I3 of the ignition switch having movable switch member Il. 'I'he other terminal Ha is connected by line I5a to one ter 80 minal I5 of a four terminal reversing switch.

, Said switch includes a terminal IB connected by line i1 to a ground I8 or same may be directly connected to the battery I0 or source of energy. Two intermediate terminals I9 and 20a are provided. Terminal I9 is connected by line 20 to one terminal 2| of the make-and-break lswitch 22. 'I'he other terminal`23 is connected by line 24 to one terminal of the primary coil 2B, the other terminal thereof being connected by line 26 to the remaining terminal 20a of the four terminal reversing switch. A condenser 21 is connected by lines 2l and 29 across the switch 22 or more especially across points 2l and 23 Before describing the additional elements and operation ofthe primary system, the secondary system or high tension side will be described.

The secondary coil 3l is grounded at 3|. The other end is connected by line 3io to the moval0 ble switch member l2 of the distributor switch which successively contacts the contacts 3l, each of which is connected by a line '3l to spark plug 35 grounded at It in the conventional manner. l

The movable vcontact $2 moves with member II 31 controlling the operation of the "make-andbreak switch 2, the operative connection being diagrammatically indicated at 38. Thus, when the circuit is closed at 2|-28 current flows in the low tension circuit and high tension current is supplied by the secondary coil through switch member 32 to the proper spark plug.

The automatic reversing switch includes an insulated base 40 having four contacts 4|, 42, 48 and 44 thereon. Contacts 4| and 42 are electrically connected as at 45 and contacts 48 and 44 are similarly connected as at 48.

When the reversing switch is positioned as illustrated in Fig. 1, battery current is supplied to contact l5, contact 43, connection 48, contact 44, line 20, primary coil 25, line 28, contact 28a, contact 42, connection 48, contact 4| and line |1.

When the reversing switch is positioned at 90 to said Fig. 1 illustrated position, see Fig. 2, substantially the same circuit is completed except the direction of current flow is reversed in line 20, the make-and-break switch 22, line 24, primary coil 25 and line 28. Such reversal also changes current phase' relation in the high tension circuit as well.

Thus, arcing, pitting, et cetera, of the makeand-break switch contacts is reduced to a minimum, as hereinafter pointed out.

In Fig. 2, 50 indicates a key, 8| a keyhole receiving same, 62 a switch structure and lock connected to lines |2 and |5a as shown in Fig. 1, 63 an extension pin or shaft carrying a disk 84 to which is pivoted at a pawl 88, normally constrained by spring 61 into ratchet tooth 88 engagement. A spring 89 may prevent reverse rotation of the ratchet. Rigid with ratchet 88 is the reversing switch member 48 previously described.

When the key 80 is inserted in keyhole 8| and turned clockwise the ignition switch I8, |4, and |4c is closed. In this movement pawl 88 seated or having ratchet tooth engagement rotates ratchet 88 and reversing switch 48 an amount of 90. Upon key 88 being turned 90 to open the ignition circuit, the pawl ratchets over ratchet teeth 88 and reengages the ratchet at 90 to the previous engagement. Spring 88 prevents reverse ratchet movement. Spring 81 insures ratchet and pawl cooperation.

Thus, each time the ignition switch is turned on and oiI, or vice versa, if desired, the reversing switch is rotated 90 for current direction reversal, as previously described, and for the purpose described, and such reversing switch operation is automatic, that is, does not require any other manual perfomance than now required in a conventional system.

" Fig. 3 illustrates another form of key operable switch-reversing switch arrangement. This, however, is not as satisfactory as that previously described because it merely requires insertion and removal of the key for reversing switch operation.

Slidably mounted in lock 82 is a plunger 84h adapted for movement when key 88 is inserted in keyhole 8|. Pivoted to plunger 84 at 88 is a pawl 88 normally constrained by spring 81 into engagement with ratchet 88 pivoted upon an axis transverse to that of ratchet 88 illustrated in Fig. 2. Spring 89 prevents reverse rotation of the ratchet 88. Rigid with ratchet 88 is the reversing switch member 40. Note that spring 81 also returns plunger 84 to initial position when the key 88 is removed from the lock. Each reciprocation 0f bar 84 rotates ratchet Il 90.

In most forms of locks. key rotational movement is required to close the ignition circuit, in others only key movement longitudinally thereof is required, or both may be required.

Either of the above forms of key-switch-reversing switch constructions may be utilized, as required. In most instances, the direction of current flow will be reversed for each make-andbreak of the ignition circuit by the key operable main switch. In other instances. the direction of current ilow will be reversed only when the ignition lock key is inserted into or removed from the switch.

Since many drivers do not remove the key from the lock, as suggested by the insurance companies and police departments, the iorm of the invention shown in Fig. 2 is preferred because this insures a sumcient number of current reversals to accomplish the desired result which is whatever metal, et cetera, ilows from contact 28 to contact 2| resulting in an attempt to pit contact 28 and tit contact 2|, will upon current reversal return such transferred metal with the net result that the progressive pitting and, titting action common to present ignition systems is eliminated, thus maintaining contacts 28 and 2| in substantially perfect condition at all times.

It has been ascertained that the duration of current flow in either direction is substantially equal for all kinds of driving, whether oi.' crosscountry, urban or suburban character or of mixed character.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in great detail in the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character.

The several modifications described herein, as well as others which will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art, all are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims.

In this connection, note that claim 5 is intended to include any reversing mechanism such as herein described which is operable automatically in brake operation, gear shift operation, or like or comparable operations having a frequency of operation other than that of the spark plugs and/or the distributor make-andbreak switch.

The invention claimed is:

l. In combination with an ignition system of an internal combustion engine including a key controlled switch, a reversing switch included in said system for current reversal, and means operable by key movement in key switch control for actuating said reversing switch.

2. A system, as'defined by claim 1. characterized by the key switch movement being of to and fro character and the reversing switch being of intermittent continuous rotation character.

3. A system, as defined by claim 1, characterized by the key switch movement being of to and fro character and the reversing switch being of intermittent continuous rotation character, the key movement being of reciprocatory type.

4. A system, as donned by claim l, characterized by the key switch movement being of to and fro character and the reversing switch being ofV intermittent continuous rotation character, the key movement being of oscillatory type.

5. In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, a high tension circuit and a low tension circuit, the former including a plurality ofsparkingmembersxucssivelyenergiledmn the latter including a "make-and-break" switch operable in timed relation with each sparking member energization, and a reversing circuit arrangement including a current reversing switch operable at varying intervals independent of "make-and-break" switch operation or the energizatlon of any sparking member.

6. In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, a secondary circuit and a primary circuit, the former including a plurality oi' sparking members successively energized. and the latter including a make-and-break switch operable in timed relation with each sparking member energization, and-a reversing circuit arrangementincluding a current reversing switch operable at varying intervals independent of "makeand-break" switch operation or the energisation` of any sparking member.

7. A device. as denned by claim 5. characterized by the reversing switch reversing current flow direction in the primary circuit. i

8. In an ignition circuit a polarity or current ow direction changer including four stationary contacts arranged at 90 apart. a rotatable member having similarly spaced and cooperating con-l tacts. same being connected together electrically :in adjacent pairs, a ratchet movable with the rotatable member, a to and rro movable pawl means normally constrained to ratchet engagement for quadrant movement o! the rotatable member. and means normally preventing reverse rotation of the rotatable manta'.

9. -In combination with a source of energy, an ignition system including a distributor for an internal combustion engine and a main switch for said system, of means automatically operable in the main switch actuation for reversing the .direction of current iiow in the ignition system to reduce and substantially prevent distributor point pitting.'

10. In combination with an ignition system of an internal combustion engine including a key controlled switch, a primary circuit and a secondary circuit, the latter including a'pluralty of sparking members successively energized, the

former including a make and break switch oper-V able in timed relation with each sparking member energization, a current reversing circuit arrangement for the primary circuit including a current reversing switch operable at varying intervals independent of make and break switch operation or the energization of any sparking` member, and means operable by-key movement in key switch control for actuating said reversing switch.

11. a system, as defined by claimA 10, cxmacterized by the key switch movement being of to and tro character and the reversing switch movement being oi' intermittent continuous rotation character. 

